Oak Lawn may expand its Village Green by 40,000 square feet if trustees
approve a proposal that would include relocating the Masonic Temple just east of
the downtown park.

The Village Board on Tuesday discussed the temple's owner's plans to
construct a new building that would replace the one at 9420 S. 52nd Ave. The
owners agreed three years ago to build a new temple, and construction could
begin this year just south of Village Hall on the site of the village's old
family services building, according to Oak Lawn Mayor Dave Heilmann.

The village would acquire the old family services site and contribute
$875,000 toward the construction of the new temple, Heilmann explained. The
temple owners would in exchange cede their property to Oak Lawn. The mayor is
hopeful the new temple can be completed by 2013.

The Village Green, a narrow strip of parkland east of Village Hall and north
of the Oak Lawn Public Library between Raymond Avenue and the Masonic Temple
parking lot, would be extended east to 52nd Avenue. The Green features a walking
path, gazebo and playground, and is a venue for numerous events including Santa
on the Green Fall on the Green, Pumpkin Fest, summer concerts, a farmers market
and the village's annual Easter egg hunt.

"The Village Green is widely used, and this is one part of many discussions
regarding potential improvements to the village green," Heilmann said. "We have
a whole series of events there, especially in the warmer months. It has become
very popular for residents and their families."

Trustee Alex Olejniczak made a motion to table the plan, which was scheduled
to be voted on Tuesday, after residents had a chance to voice their concerns and
ideas.

"I am concerned about how this will affect people in the neighborhood,"
Olejniczak said, noting residents in the area near the Green already have plenty
of festivals and other events in the neighborhood, and may not want to deal with
construction.

"The residents put up with fests and activities. This is not the right time
to make a decision."

Heilmann called the plans to expand the Village Green a "great opportunity."

"In a 'land-locked' community like Oak Lawn, I think that when you have
property contiguous to village property or green space, like the Masonic Temple
is, and you have the ability to expand the green space use through an amicable
agreement with people, you can enhance the property but also make the
neighborhood nicer," Heilmann said. "Studies show investments in parks and
making them destinations and popular centers for your community, you can really
provide a terrific benefit to a neighborhood as well as the entire community."

Heilmann envisions the expanded park as even more of a gathering place for
Oak Lawn residents and their families.

"There is an entire rendering that has been done with various possibilities,"
Heilmann said. "We could have a brand-new band shell, a new park facility or
field house, even potentially an outdoor ice skating rink and a jet fountain
area. We really want to make it a destination."